Luxury that's intentionally rough around the edges

First impression

Food & drinks

Bathroom and shower

The bedroom

Our Review

How did it strike you on arrival?G-Rough Rome is total luxury, in that the owners have clearly spent a lot of money to make it look like they didn’t spend much money at all. The vibe is industrial-chic, with exposed concrete walls, and graffiti-style artwork on the ceilings. It’s buzzy and young, and makes you about 20 per cent cooler just by being there.

Nice. What’s the crowd like?Hipsters, and anyone interested in staying somewhere a bit out of the ordinary – but with five star trimmings.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The Suite Plus is the property’s romance suite, partly thanks to its top floor location – with views over Rome best admired from your private balcony. It’s a mini home, in a way: the floors are parquet, with original 19th-century exposed timber beams. You've got your very own bar, which was designed by Milanese architect and industrial designer Giò Ponti in the fifties, a decade that’s peppered throughout the suite in the form of bold furniture and accessories (blue velvet armchairs, SMEG appliances, teal-coloured lamps).

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?All the five-star amenities are here: air conditioning, for when the days are hot, a smart television, a kettle for making tea and coffee, and a handy iPod docking station.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathroom’s covered in Seletti mirrored glass tiles, the shower spacious, and the water pressure strong enough to feel like a massage.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free, the connection excellent.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The G-Bar is total Art Deco chic, and serves wines from boutique Italian wineries. There’s a lively cultural calendar, with performances and installations by artist Guendalina Salini throughout the year. G-Rough also offers ‘un-experiences’ – that is, unconventional experiences in Rome, such as unique walking tours, or the opportunity to design your own handbag.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?It’s the ideal Roman hideaway for design lovers and anyone wanting to stay at one of the most uniquely-decorated hotels in the city.